Approx Max Length : 7cm

Jeweled Splitfin - Xenotoca variata Fish Profile & Care Guide

The Jeweled Splitfin is an attractive viviparous freshwater fish endemic to Mexico belonging to the family Goodeidae. These fish exhibit complex social behaviours, including the formation of hierarchies within groups. When housed in groups, these fish establish social structures that can be observed through their interactions. To accommodate their social dynamics and minimize potential aggression, it is advisable to maintain them in species-specific tanks or with other Goodeids.

When considering tankmates for Jeweled Splitfin, it's essential to account for their active nature and potential for fin-nipping. While housing them in species-specific tanks is often recommended, they can coexist with certain other species under appropriate conditions. For instance, some aquarists have successfully kept them with small, fast livebearers like feeder guppies or Gambusia affinis, which can tolerate their active behaviour. Additionally, compatible plecos can serve as suitable tankmates, as they occupy different niches within the aquarium and are less likely to be affected by the Splitfins' activity.

It's crucial to provide a well-structured environment for Jeweled Splitfin with ample space, dense planting, and hiding spots to reduce potential aggression and offer refuge for less dominant fish. Regular monitoring of interactions is essential to ensure a harmonious community, and adjustments should be made if any indications of aggression or stress are observed among tank inhabitants. In their natural habitat, these fish experience significant temperature fluctuations. To replicate these conditions in an aquarium, it is advisable to adjust the heater in sync with the lighting cycle, allowing for slight variations in temperature between day and night. This practice promotes overall health and longevity in the fish. They thrive best in hard, slightly alkaline water but are highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, giving you the confidence to provide the best care for them.

In terms of appearance, female Jeweled Splitfins (Xenotoca variata) exhibit a muted greyish-brown colouration with a slightly darker dorsal region. Their flanks are adorned with irregularly shaped dark blotches that vary in size and distribution, often forming a midlateral band in mature specimens. The head has a dusky tone, with the markings becoming more pronounced towards the posterior. This unique and subtle beauty is sure to captivate any fish enthusiast.

Males, in contrast, display a more striking colouration, with a greyish-green dorsal surface that transitions into a white or yellowish ventral region. Their unpaired fins are dark grey, while the caudal fin is nearly black, highlighted by a vivid yellow terminal band. The dorsal fin may also feature a bright whitish-to-yellowish band, and the anal fins can range in colour from grey to yellow. Additionally, males possess a pattern of large, iridescent green or yellow scales along their flanks, adding to their overall brilliance.

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Sexual Dimorphism

It is relatively effortless to differentiate between male and female Jewelled Splitfin. A primary distinguishing feature is the presence of a "splitfin" in males, a notched anal fin formed by the first seven shortened rays, characteristic of the Goodeinae subfamily. Additionally, males possess larger dorsal fins compared to females. Regarding colouration, males are more vibrant, displaying bright and colourful spots, or "speckles," on their flanks. The number and intensity of these speckles can vary geographically. Furthermore, males often have a broad yellow to orange terminal band on their caudal fin, sometimes followed by a large black or grey field, while females typically have clear fins.

Quick Facts

Scientific Name	Xenotoca variata
Year Described	1887
Other Names	Jeweled Variata
Kingdom	Animalia
Classification	Actinopterygii
Order	Cyprinodontiformes
Family	Goodeidae
Genus	Xenotoca
Origins	Mexico
Approx Max Size	7 cm
Temperament	Peaceful
Aquarium Level	Bottom - Middle
Difficulty	Beginner - Intermediate
Shoaling	NA
Best kept as	3 Females per Male
Diet & Feeding	Omnivore
Reproduction	Livebearer
Average Lifespan	Up to 5 Years

Water Parameters

Water Type	Freshwater
pH	6.5 - 8.0
GH	5 - 25

Ideal Temperature Range
℉	68 - 81
℃	20 - 27

Natural Habitat

The Jeweled Splitfin comes from the Pacific Slope, inhabiting the ríos Lerma-Grande de Santiago basin, the Río Grande de Morelia Basin and the Atlantic Slope from the Río Santa María drainage, an upper tributary to the Río Pánuco in the states Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Jalisci, Michoacán, Queretaro and San Luis Potosí in the central highlands of Mexico in South America. This species prefers habitats like clear to murky rivers and lakes with currents of moderate to absent. It can be detected in shallow water over substrates from deep mud to rocks. Usually, vegetation is abundant.

Breeding

The Jeweled Splitfin is a viviparous fish species that exhibits specific breeding behaviours. Reproduction typically occurs from February through May, as indicated by captures of young or pregnant females. Males display multi-colour iridescent scales, or "speckles," on their flanks, which play a role in mating dynamics. Studies have shown that males with a higher density of speckles tend to engage in more mating attempts, suggesting that these iridescent scales may signal male fighting ability to access females.

It's important to note that adults may prey on their offspring in aquarium settings. To mitigate this, separating pregnant females into a dedicated breeding tank shortly before birth can help protect the fry. Maintaining water temperatures is also crucial for successful breeding, emphasizing the responsibility and commitment required in fishkeeping.

Diet & Feeding

The Jeweled Splitfin exhibits omnivorous feeding habits and a preference for carnivorous food. In their natural habitats, they consume a varied diet comprising water insects, fish fry, algae, and detritus. The morphology of their mouth, jaws, and dentition supports this diverse diet, and the length of their gut indicates adaptability in food preferences based on availability. In aquarium settings, they readily accept flake food, granules, and wafers and benefit from a diet supplemented with both animal-based and plant-based foods, such as freeze-dried brine shrimp and Spirulina. Providing ample light to promote algae growth in the aquarium can also support their natural grazing behaviour.